Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Discussion
Following three great years with my BMW 1M (http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=47&t=1199863&mid=184683&i=0&nmt=BMW+1M+in+Valencia+Orange&mid=184683) it was time for a change, not least as the mileage was climbing fast (it was probably the highest mileage 1M in the country at 63,000) and the value was dropping. I have loved the Vantage since it's launch and received an email from Stratstone Aston Martin with offers on Vantages that seemed too good to be true. I popped into the showroom in Derby and was greeted with this:
How could anyone resist!? The deal on offer on this very car was amazing, and I didn't resist! It's a 2015 model year V8 Vantage with 14 miles on the clock. The spec is good: it has everything I'd want and although the colour (Meteorite Silver) is a bit dull in the photos I think it suits the car well. Downsides are that it doesn't have the Vanquish style centre console of the just launched 2016 model year though I actually prefer the earlier style and that the Vantage is now a nine year old design. It's replacement won't be around until 2017 so this doesn't bother me either.
I've now had it for one month and done over 1000 miles. I still can't believe it's mine! Initial impressions were that it was actually somewhat underwhelming to drive though I am getting used to it now. I think in part this was due to it feeling very tight initially and the gearbox was particularly recalcitrant. This has loosened up considerably now and is a lot less unpleasant though still not nearly as slick as the manual change on the BMW. Otherwise it's great: just looking at it makes me smile. Driving it is far more of an event than the BMW and it really gets attention, even from people who know nothing about cars. The interior is a wonderful place to be: really beautifully made and obviously hand finished. This is my daily driver and will get a lot of use so I look forward to the next few years. Some more photos:
Collection day
How could anyone resist!? The deal on offer on this very car was amazing, and I didn't resist! It's a 2015 model year V8 Vantage with 14 miles on the clock. The spec is good: it has everything I'd want and although the colour (Meteorite Silver) is a bit dull in the photos I think it suits the car well. Downsides are that it doesn't have the Vanquish style centre console of the just launched 2016 model year though I actually prefer the earlier style and that the Vantage is now a nine year old design. It's replacement won't be around until 2017 so this doesn't bother me either.
I've now had it for one month and done over 1000 miles. I still can't believe it's mine! Initial impressions were that it was actually somewhat underwhelming to drive though I am getting used to it now. I think in part this was due to it feeling very tight initially and the gearbox was particularly recalcitrant. This has loosened up considerably now and is a lot less unpleasant though still not nearly as slick as the manual change on the BMW. Otherwise it's great: just looking at it makes me smile. Driving it is far more of an event than the BMW and it really gets attention, even from people who know nothing about cars. The interior is a wonderful place to be: really beautifully made and obviously hand finished. This is my daily driver and will get a lot of use so I look forward to the next few years. Some more photos:
Collection day
I think these are visually such a stunning design, even though as you say they're knocking on the doors of a ten year old model. I really like the colour of yours, I generally like dark coloured cars though and it's that bit different to a black one.
I drove an older one last year at one of these experience days, sadly having just stepped out of a Ferrari f430 it seem slow in comparison, but that's not really the right environment for the Aston. As a daily driver I think it would be perfect and in that situation it would be far more enjoyable than the Ferrari.
I hope you continue to enjoy it, please keep the thread updated over time.
I drove an older one last year at one of these experience days, sadly having just stepped out of a Ferrari f430 it seem slow in comparison, but that's not really the right environment for the Aston. As a daily driver I think it would be perfect and in that situation it would be far more enjoyable than the Ferrari.
I hope you continue to enjoy it, please keep the thread updated over time.
Performance is initially disappointing but these are by no means a slow car. Once you stop revelling in the lovely low-revs V8 rumble, let the engine rev and above 5000 rpm and they come alive.
Then try and park it up and walk away without turning around for another look! They are timelessly beautiful.
Enjoy.
Then try and park it up and walk away without turning around for another look! They are timelessly beautiful.
Enjoy.
TR4man said:
Beautiful
I'll bet the guy over the road is felling pretty sick now you've upstaged his Lotus.
I bet he doesnt I'll bet the guy over the road is felling pretty sick now you've upstaged his Lotus.
Absolutley lovely car OP. I bet you got a good deal on the car but wont the depreciation be horrific with the new model coming out shortly? Obviously not a problem if your planning on keeping it for a long time I guess...
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